Timbits Initiation Program

MHA RESOURCE GUIDE:
OPTIMAL ORGANIZATION OF YOUR INITIATION PROGRAM

It is an exciting time for players of all ages to participate in the greatest game in the world! What follows is information pertinent to the entry level of hockey, Initiation Program, for all players aged 5-6 year olds. Included is information on organizing and coordinating the Initiation Program such as examples of program outlines, resources to run effective programs, examples of ice station breakdowns and helpful online links to drills and the Initiation skills manual.

SECTION O: SPECIAL REGULATION 8

All games and practices at the initiation level shall use modified ice surfaces consisting of cross-ice sections as of the 2015-16 season.

Hockey Manitoba is proud to acknowledge the importance of the long-term development and retention benefits by using the cross-ice format for future advanced and/or recreational players alike. All Initiation sessions and games throughout each season are to use cross-ice format, for a detailed guide on how to effectively operate an optimal Initiation Program please view the resource guide linked above.

RATIONALE FOR CHANGE

Long term player development research shows us that reducing the size of the playing surface offers more opportunity for skill development and greater participation from all players. More decisions, quicker reactions, finding open space, reading pressure, offensive/defensive body position, puck pressure, containment, etc… all of which equals an improved hockey sense. More puck touches, more passes, more shots, and more fun…all of which helps with player retention.